date & brandy bread pudding
When it comes to winter desserts, there are few things as comforting and satisfying as a good pudding. The British are the masters of this with their roly poly pudding, baked rice pudding, treacle pudding, tangy lemon delicious, chocolate self saucing pudding and the bizzarely named ’spotted dick’.  And of course there is your classic Christmas pud all dense fruity goodness served with a boozy brandy custard or the perennial favourite of Sydney cafes - the sticky date (or toffee) with a toothachingly sweet caramel sauce. But if I was forced to choose a favourite, it would be hard to go past the simple pleasure of a bread & butter pudding. Read the rest of this entry »

sauteed brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts. Just the mention of this harmless vegetable can be enough to strike fear into the hearts of children, particularly those who have just asked the innocent question ‘what’s for dinner?’ I should know, a long time ago I used to be one of them. Read the rest of this entry »

deconstructed cassoulet with a green salad 

When it comes to the national days of countries other than Oz, I’m afraid to say that I’m sadly ignorant. But there is one exception. Ever since I began my love affair with France, while studying their beautiful language in high school, I’ve had a soft spot for Bastille Day. For some reason, every year on July 14th I feel the urge to celebrate with the French in some way or other. Read the rest of this entry »

basic five hour roast leg of lamb

It never ceases to amaze me how much most blokes love their meat and my gorgeous brother, Dom, is definitely no exception to the rule. Give him a lamb shank or a thick juicy steak, and he’s a happy man. Read the rest of this entry »

roast lamb shank & barley soup

It’s a well known fact that we eat with our eyes. From market shopping for fruit & veg to cruising the supermarket aisles for mass-marketed packaged goods our first judgments are based on appearance. And while this is generally a good practice to help guide us away from less-than-fresh food choices, there are times when there are great flavour rewards for taking a chance and tasting something not so good looking. Read the rest of this entry »